PhonePe has launched a new service enabling users of feature phones to make UPI payments offline. This innovation caters to individuals who may not have access to a smartphone or the internet but still require a means to conduct cashless transactions. The service, known as UPI 123Pay, aims to provide the convenience of digital payments to a broader population.

Currently, UPI 123Pay will be pre-installed on select feature phones from noted manufacturers such as Nokia, HMD, Lava, and Itel. PhonePe has indicated that additional handset makers are expected to offer support for this service in the near future. This initiative is part of PhonePe’s strategy to meet the growing demand for UPI payments across diverse user demographics.

The technology underpinning UPI 123Pay has been specially designed to enable successful transactions on feature phones, overcoming the limitations of internet connectivity. The SMS-based architecture allows users to perform payments in areas where only limited 2G connectivity is available.

Payment Functionality and User Experience

The UPI 123Pay service allows users to complete transactions using their mobile numbers or UPI IDs, facilitating payments to both individuals and merchants. Merchants can accept payments via UPI IDs or QR codes, enhancing the ability to conduct business in an offline environment.

Furthermore, users can check their bank account balances and review transaction histories directly through the app. Future updates are anticipated to include functionalities such as bill payments, mobile recharges, and Aadhaar-based UPI onboarding, broadening the scope of the services available.

To initiate their use of UPI 123Pay, users can easily register without the need for a smartphone. By launching the pre-installed PhonePe app, users can accept the terms and conditions and select their bank. They are then required to input the last six digits of their debit card alongside its expiry date, followed by setting a UPI PIN to activate their UPI ID.

User Assistance and Accessibility Features

After registration, users can send money by selecting options such as a contact, mobile number, or UPI ID within the PhonePe application. Upon selecting a recipient, they can input the intended amount, verify the details, and confirm the transaction using their UPI PIN. For feature phones equipped with cameras, the Scan and Pay option enables users to scan a merchant’s QR code, enter the payment amount, and complete the transaction securely.

To enhance user experience, PhonePe has developed a voice-based AI helpline intended to assist users in activating the service and understanding fundamental UPI functionalities. This AI assistant is designed to operate in English as well as 12 Indian languages, ensuring broader accessibility for users across diverse linguistic backgrounds.

Overall, the introduction of UPI 123Pay represents a significant step towards expanding cashless transaction capabilities among feature phone users in India, aligning with the growing emphasis on digital payment solutions in the country.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share